I feel very dirty

[truckdriver]

Had some time to kill today and stopped by HF.Ended up buying the 3/8 and 1/2 impact swivel adapters. I hope I didn't waste $8.99. I just don't feel right about it. They were made in Taiwan so hopefully they are pretty good.

 

[RalphInCA]

I know what you mean.

I recently went 360 on HF tools.

For most of my life I was a "get the best tools you can afford" guy.

Then I discovered HF and started buying a lot of cheap tools. Some were OK, some were not.

Now I am back to "get the best tools you can afford"

It's hard to resist the allure of the HF's pricing and availability.

 

[atwageman]

Their shop rags ain't too bad. Lol

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I buy the hell out of their spot weld cutters. Just gotta be gentle with them, and use plenty of lube!!

 

[mtwaterguy]

Just gotta be gentle with them, and use plenty of lube!!

That's what she said.

 

[qwik]

I talk myself into going once a yr or so. I always get that dirty feeling and never buy anything.

 

[jd_1138]

I went today and picked up my free 7' by 9' tarp (coupon was good today only). I am giving it to my neighbor as a joke. He has an old crappy tarp that he refuses to throw out even though it has lots of holes and is a pain to drag across decks (I clean out his gutters).

I put it on the front seat of his work truck.

I also used a 20% coupon and picked up some 12" professional groove joint pliers (Channel Lock style). They were about $7 after the coupon. I just checked, and I could've bought the real deal for $14.

I feel dirty too.

 

[truckdriver]

In 5 years all I have bought are zip ties,hard hat(both junk)movers dollies(stinks bad)cart(I got it put together but the holes quite line up and caster lock up all the time) and these swivels.
Funny part about the big cart display in the store was the holes didn't line up either and looked like it was dropped.

 

[Bull]

$8.99? I just picked up the 1/2 metric impact swivels and they were like $21.

I literally felt weird and out of place being in that store and for a while after the other day. The manager was kind of a tool himself, the clientele was unfamiliar to me, and some of the offerings were just embarrasingly flimsy. That being said, there are some things I feel are great values. I really want a set of the composite ratchets, for example.

I have been looking for deals on impact swivels for a long time. The quality brands are always close to or well above $100 for a set, even used. Can't justify it. HF allowed me to get the set I needed to work on my current project for $21, and they worked fine (so far). I also was able to get an impact with decent power for $63 instead of $100-150, which is what I was looking at to try and stay American, which I GREATLY prefer.

 

[sberry]

Would it have made you feel better to spend 89$ ?????? Anyway I just bought the impact swivel set also, used a couple of pieces a couple of times.

 

[owenst7]

I've been using the 1/2" swivel adapter on my nitrocat for a few years without issues. The little spring that retains the pin came out once though. I wrapped them in friction tape and never had that happen again. I'd suggest doing that right off the bat.

I buy american when I can, and when it makes sense. Actually picked up a Nupla mini sledge at Sears tonight. These swivels were necessary to rebuild the engine in my sister's DD, and there's no way I could have afforded a USA set at the time. They're still working fine and making me money, which allows me to afford other US tools.

 

[truckdriver]

Bull,I just got the 2 swivel adapters. $8.99 would be a heck of a deal for the actual swivel sockets. I edited my first post to fix it. Thanks!

 

[91bronc300]

I did the exact full circle that you did. Ignored Harbor Freight, became enamored with Harbor Freight, became disenchanted with Harbor Freight. Now I just look for value wherever it is and leave Harbor Freight as an option. Do your research and Harbor Freight will only end up as the right choice when, well, it's the right choice.

I will say I do much less shopping there as I did when I was enamored with the place, but I do still shop there.

And BTW, I LOVE the smell!

 

[RalphInCA]

I don't know guys... I know it's just psychological and irrational, and not all that financially prudent, but there is something about a tool from one of the top brands that makes me fee good when I am wrenching.

I know the HF tools do the job. But the more expensive tools make me feel good while doing so.

Silly, I know. But feeling good is why I wrench. Don't do it for a living.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Harbor freight (pittsburgh pro) taiwan is better than most people deserve...honestly. They have no reason to carry it for the bulk of their customers. The people looking for decent quality stuff are few and far between; they carry it to keep those customers and make them return to the store. Better than 90% of the retail brands and equal to (but cheaper) the kobalt taiwanese stuff.

If you don't approve of shopping there spend 100% more for the same stuff at other stores with a brand you do approve of but it will probably be similar if not made in the same factory.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I go in and tell myself certain things would be worth buying on the cheap. I almost bought their impact swivels, but walked out and bought these online (worth every penny)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TDAGV6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The only things I ever buy there are air fittings and the heavy duty latex gloves (which are great, but still get eaten through by synthetic bearing grease).

 

[owenst7]

Harbor freight (pittsburgh pro) taiwan is better than most people deserve...honestly. They have no reason to carry it for the bulk of their customers. The people looking for decent quality stuff are few and far between; they carry it to keep those customers and make them return to the store. Better than 90% of the retail brands and equal to (but cheaper) the kobalt taiwanese stuff.

If you don't approve of shopping there spend 100% more for the same stuff at other stores with a brand you do approve of but it will probably be similar if not made in the same factory.

The composite ratchets, swivel head ratchets, and 3/4" drive sets are frequently rebranded as PT and other house brands that I see sold for 2-3 times what HF sells them for.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Once you purchase at HF, you can never get that dirty ***** smell off of you again...

 

[NUTTSGT]

I buy my chip brushes there with a 20% off coupon. I need to buy a box of the 1" brushes and I see they are on sale right now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-36-1-inch-industrial-grade-chip-brushes-4181.html

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Once you purchase at HF, you can never get that dirty ***** smell off of you again...

 

[BearCuda]

Haven't been to one in years but that side box is looking really good; especially after so many of you have said how good the toolbox quality actually is. How are things like packs of little wire brushes there? Are they decent or do all the wire bristles fall out the first time you use them?

 

[owenst7]

Once you purchase at HF, you can never get that dirty ***** smell off of you again...

 

[crazytrain]

I have a few things from HF including my tool box and service cart that I use daily. I have a set of 3/8" impact sockets, impact swivels and a set of off set box end wrenches. 95% of my tools are Snap On or Matco, but HF never let me down either. I buy from HF when it's right for me. I buy HF stuff that I may need to use once in a while and buy from truck brand or US stuff for things I'm going to use alot.

 

[nicksnothereman]

The composite ratchets, swivel head ratchets, and 3/4" drive sets are frequently rebranded as PT and other house brands that I see sold for 2-3 times what HF sells them for.

No one approves of pt brand.

(I'm just kidding man but some people don't get it because they're posing; they just buy their "brand" don't give a **** if they can buy the same thing much much cheaper).

 

[woody 73]

I picked up this set yesterday, (like I need more screwdrivers) and they are not bad...

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...piece-comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-61255.html

 

[Rusty32]

I bought a mini sledge there about 8 years ago. Ive been beating the snot out of stuff daily and the handle hasn't broke yet. Everything else I got there fell apart in short order though I always feel dirty going there to but I always go there.

 

[rice rocket]

truckdriver, I have one as well, haven't blown it up yet, but I haven't used it much either. I picked up a Sunex one off Amazon for $14 as a backup.

 

[Danglerb]

Sad to hear so many of you had your delicate sensitive selves soiled by HF. I've been in dumpsters behind worse places than any HF, and like it.

 

[tyheuser]

I bought some sets of impact swivels from there and they were one of the worst tools ive ever owned. The damn springs would catch on something and uncoil shooting out the pin and throwing the socket into peices. My dad has a old school HF taiwan set that the pins are welded and have lasted since the mail order HF days I wish they still made them. There really bad doing something like the top transmission bellhousing bolts in pick up or rwd with a long extension that how I blew up 2 of them. Watch that they dont rub anything while using them and make sure you have safety glasses and keep your lips closed tight if you want to keep your teeth! Ive got regular HF impact socket sets and extensions and theyve been great other then the 3/8 sets arn't very complete. I know cripe had Allen USA, Kobalt USA and Armstrong USA swivel adaptors last year on ebay for under $10 each and I bought few for home and there nice but I im not sure if they still have them

 

[kenburkholz]

I have used my H.F. swivel impacts many times since I got them, and have had no problems of any kind. H.F. is a mixed bag, you must choose wisely! Ken.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I bought some sets of impact swivels from there and they were one of the worst tools ive ever owned. The damn springs would catch on something and uncoil shooting out the pin and throwing the socket into peices. My dad has a old school HF taiwan set that the pins are welded and have lasted since the mail order HF days I wish they still made them. There really bad doing something like the top transmission bellhousing bolts in pick up or rwd with a long extension that how I blew up 2 of them. Watch that they dont rub anything while using them and make sure you have safety glasses and keep your lips closed tight if you want to keep your teeth! Ive got regular HF impact socket sets and extensions and theyve been great other then the 3/8 sets arn't very complete. I know cripe had Allen USA, Kobalt USA and Armstrong USA swivel adaptors last year on ebay for under $10 each and I bought few for home and there nice but I im not sure if they still have them

looks like they changed them, no more spring

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-12-in-drive-sae-impact-swivel-socket-set-67913.html

 

[arms1970]

Their shop rags ain't too bad. Lol

Im the shop rag guy and disposable gloves guy. I remember a time years ago, before harbor freight exploded. They carried IR air tools.

 

[Bull]

looks like they changed them, no more spring

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-12-in-drive-sae-impact-swivel-socket-set-67913.html

The ric set I bought a few days ago does have a spring wrapped around the base of the socket, where the pin is.

I'll keep my fingers crossed. Even at $10 a piece on Cripe for surplus USA, I'm looking at $70 and shipping for a set vs $22 or so. Sometimes, I gotta do what I gotta do!

 

[atwageman]

Im the shop rag guy and disposable gloves guy. I remember a time years ago, before harbor freight exploded. They carried IR air tools.

That has been a long time ago. Also the zip ties ain't bad either with the right coupon. Also the 10pk of electrical tape with a good coupon is nice. I still keep 3M Super 33 around though.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I bought the 2 piece universal adapter set a few years ago, and I hated them. They seemed to rob all the power from the impact gun and I couldnt bust any bolts loose. I gave them to a buddy, not sure how they are working for him these days. I have craftsman universal impact sockets and adapters and they are awesome.

 

[byoungblood]

No one approves of pt brand.

(I'm just kidding man but some people don't get it because they're posing; they just buy their "brand" don't give a **** if they can buy the same thing much much cheaper).

Ironically enough, I have a set of PT 1/2" drive, deep metric impacts, and they've held up remarkably well.

I still haven't been able to bring myself to buy anything from HF aside from their latex gloves and rubber wheel chocks. I've always viewed anything they sell as being disposable.

 

[Drunken Yak inc]

I love my HF 2-ton quick pump jack, 56" top and bottom toolboxes and my 5-drawer cart even though that the items in my ratchet drawer alone are 2x-3x the cost of all of those items combined...

To me, price and COO are irrelevant; value isn't.

 

[-Brent-]

Certain things HF is a no-brainer for, like zip ties or moving blankets and the like. Just like any store, there are good and bad items.

For example, I love my S-O ratchets but I wouldn't buy certain re-branded-to-Snap-On items because the cost is inflated, like a floor jack or jack stands, etc.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

looks like they changed them, no more spring

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-12-in-drive-sae-impact-swivel-socket-set-67913.html

With the way the size is written, looks like a Gearwrench clone.

 

[Farmall450]

I have a few things from HF including my tool box and service cart that I use daily. I have a set of 3/8" impact sockets, impact swivels and a set of off set box end wrenches. 95% of my tools are Snap On or Matco, but HF never let me down either. I buy from HF when it's right for me. I buy HF stuff that I may need to use once in a while and buy from truck brand or US stuff for things I'm going to use alot.

Very similar to what I do.

No point in spending a small fortune on something that gets used once or twice a year.